Teen supports St. Francis House

The teenager recently volunteered his time to help the homeless in St. Johns County when he and his friends packaged groceries at Winn-Dixie, and raised $750 in tips, with the money donated to St. Francis House, 70 Washington St.

The money was presented to Renee Morris, St. Francis House executive director, and she noted that the donation could not have come at a better time, since funding has been cut drastically for the facility, the only homeless shelter in St. Johns County that houses single adults and families with children.

Patel, 16, a junior at St. Augustine High School, received praise from Morris, who told the teenager that she was impressed. “For someone so young to want to help the poor and homeless is really touching,” she said.

Also offering congratulations to Patel were St. Augustine City Commissioner Errol Jones, St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson; and Prosperity Bank manager Guy Jopling.

Patel said he hopes that by performing this community service he will inspire other teens to serve their community in a like manner.